Ginewikwe Golden Eagle Woman (Cindy Black) is an Ojibway woman from Peguis First Nation, Man. Ginewikwe is a caring wife, mother and grandmother to a large family. She has a bachelor of arts in Native American studies and a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous social work. She is currently completing her master of education at the University of Calgary. Ginewikwe is eager to learn and hopes to continue her educational journey in the years to come. A strong jingle dancer and athlete, Ginewikwe is driven by her desire to inspire others to achieve their goals.
Mary Deleary is Anishinaabe Kwe from Deshkan Ziibiing, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. She received her master of arts in tribal governance from the University of Minnesota Duluth and is a PhD candidate in Native American art history at the University of Oklahoma. Mary served as coordinator of the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery, curating over a dozen shows for students, faculty and staff. Her research focuses on Anishinaabe arts of the Great Lakes region and involves recovering traces of material and visual culture that originates from Deshkan Ziibiing. Mary maintains ties to her community as an elected member of the Deshkan Ziibiing Kinoomaagegamig Board of Education and is committed to supporting Indigenous arts.
Diane Raven Leipsic-Judge is of Anishinaabe, Cree and Potawatomi ancestry and is the mother of three children. She is currently completing a bachelor’s in Indigenous social work at the First Nations Technical Institute and plans to continue her education with a diploma program in mental health and addictions. Passionate about community care, Diane works full time as a youth advocate for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s social services division. Once she has completed her studies, she hopes to pursue a career in adolescent mental health where she can continue providing her community with healing services and support.
Krystal Gray is a proud Indigenous woman with a background in marketing, business consulting, disability advocacy and strategic brand development. She is currently pursuing a master’s in applied psychology with a focus on positive psychology interventions that foster optimal development in youth. In addition to her educational pursuits, Krystal works full time, is a single mom to three teenage boys and volunteers in an advisory role for both the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and Strong Minds Strong Kids, Psychology Canada. A passionate advocate for children’s mental health, Krystal hopes to expand her research in this area through a PhD program.
Marcia Turner (Ligi Gal Wil) is Gitxsan and from the Lax Gibuu (Wolf Clan) and Wilps Haisimsque (house of Chief Haisimsque). Marcia holds a master’s degree in leadership from Royal Roads University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Victoria. A highly sought-after speaker, trainer, facilitator and consultant, Marcia has extensive experience in Indigenous governance. She is passionate about community development and engagement and works with a diverse range of Indigenous organizations in British Columbia. She is also the owner of Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building and has recently accepted a position with Vancouver Island University as associate vice president for Indigenous Education. Drawing from over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, Marcia works to amplify Indigenous voices and equalize Indigenous knowledge systems by bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships.
Born and raised in Alberta, Kaylee Weigelt is a young Métis woman who recently graduated from the Artisan Entrepreneurship Diploma program at Portage College. Her interest in business and financial literacy led her to enroll in her current program, the Business Management Diploma. During the summer months, Kaylee works as a first aid and aquatic instructor for the Canadian Red Cross. She loves working with Indigenous communities across Canada to help improve their safety and educate their residents on injury prevention. A natural leader, Kaylee is serving as president of her school’s students’ association for the 2022-2023 academic year.